The importance of duration and magnitude of force application to sprint performance during the initial acceleration, transition and maximal velocity phases

This study evaluates the anatomical profiles, jump, sprint, power outputs, endurance, and peak blood lactate levels ([LA]peak) of handball players of two age groups—U17 (n = 77) and U19 (n = 46)—and analyses the role of training in their physical abilities. Vertical jump performance was determined by counter movement jump (CMJ) and counter movement jump with free arms (CMJFA) tests. A running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) determined the relative power output (watts/kg body weight) and absolute power output (watts) of the players. Sprint performance over 5 m, 10 m, and 30 m distances was evaluated. An incremental shuttle run test (40 m) was designed to determine aerobic threshold (AeT), anaerobic threshold (AnT), and [LA]peak. All parameters were measured for pivots, wingers, backs, and goalkeepers of each group. The U19 players were significantly heavier than the U17 group, but both the groups were nearly equal in height. The U19 group jumped higher than the U17 members, although the only significant difference (p = 0.032) was observed between the wingers of the groups in CMJ. Sprint performance varied marginally between the groups and only U19 pivots were found to be significantly (for distances of 5, 10, and 30 m: p = 0.047, p = 0.018, and p = 0.021, respectively) faster than U17 pivots. No difference in relative power output between the groups was noted, although the U19 players recorded higher absolute power outputs. Maximal velocity and velocities at the AeT and AnT were almost similar in the groups. Distance covered by the groups at the intensities of AeT and AnT varied only little. Higher [LA]peak was observed in the U19 players. U19 players failed to convert their superior power into speed and jump. The training pattern of the handball players needs to be revised so that U19 players may develop faster and be more enduring than the U17 group.

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Relationship between sprint performance and bending stiffness of sprint spikes during start and maximal velocity phase of sprinting

Footwear Science ◽

10.1080/19424280.2019.1606098 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (sup1) ◽

pp. S98-S99

Author(s):

Shingo Sudo ◽

Shin Hirai

Keyword(s):

Bending Stiffness ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Maximal Velocity

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Technical Ability of Force Application as a Determinant Factor of Sprint Performance

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ◽

10.1249/mss.0b013e318216ea37 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 43 (9) ◽

pp. 1680-1688 ◽

Cited By ~ 174

Author(s):

JEAN-BENOÎT MORIN ◽

PASCAL EDOUARD ◽

PIERRE SAMOZINO

Keyword(s):

Sprint Performance ◽

Force Application ◽

Technical Ability ◽

Determinant Factor

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Phase analysis in maximal sprinting: an investigation of step-to-step technical changes between the initial acceleration, transition and maximal velocity phases.

10.31236/osf.io/bmhdg ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Hans Cristian von Lieres und Wilkau ◽

Gareth Irwin ◽

Neil E. Bezodis ◽

Scott Simpson ◽

Ian N. Bezodis

Keyword(s):

Phase Analysis ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Maximum Velocity ◽

Transition Phase ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Centre Of Mass ◽

Acceleration Phase ◽

Video Cameras ◽

Large Step ◽

Initial Acceleration

The aim of this study was to investigate spatiotemporal and kinematic changes between the initial acceleration, transition and maximum velocity phases of a sprint. Sagittal plane kinematics from five experienced sprinters performing 50 m maximal sprints were collected using six HD-video cameras. Following manual digitising, spatiotemporal and kinematic variables at touchdown and toe-off were calculated. The start and end of the transition phase were identified using the step to step changes in centre of mass height and segment angles. Mean step to step changes of spatiotemporal and kinematic variables during each phase were calculated. Firstly, the study showed that if sufficient trials are available, step-to-step changes in shank and trunk angles might provide an appropriate measure to detect sprint phases in applied settings. However, given that changes in centre of mass height represent a more holistic measure, this was used to sub-divide the sprints into separate phases. Secondly, during the initial acceleration phase large step to step changes in touchdown kinematics were observed compared to the transition phase. At toe-off, step-to-step kinematic changes were consistent across the initial acceleration and transition phases before plateauing during the maximal velocity phase. These results provide coaches and practitioners with valuable insights into key differences between phases in maximal sprinting.

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M. biceps femoris architecture and sprint ability in youth soccer players: a cross-sectional analysis

10.31236/osf.io/gnxhd ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Paul Ritsche ◽

Thomas Bernhard ◽

ralf roth ◽

Eric Lichtenstein ◽

Martin Keller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Injury ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Chronological Age ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sprint Time ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Sprint Ability

Background. It has been proposed that muscle architecture can be associated with sprint performance and the risk of sustaining a muscle injury. During puberty, sprint performance as well as muscle injury risk increases in young soccer players. In this study, we investigated the changes in m. biceps femoris long head (BFlh) cross-sectional area (ACSA), fascicle length (FL) and pennation angle (PA) and sprint performance as well as their relationship in under 13 to 15 youth soccer players. Methods. In total, we measured 85 youth soccer players in under 13 (n=29, age=12.5 y (SD=0.1), height=155.3 cm (6.2), weight=43.9 kg (7.6)), under 14 (n=25, age=13.5 y (0.3), height=160.6 y (7.7), weight=47.0 kg (6.8)) and under 15 (n=31, age=14.4 y (0.3) , height=170.0 cm (7.7), weight=58.1 kg (8.8) ) teams of three high level soccer clubs. We used ultrasound to measure BFlh ACSA, FL and PA. We performed sprint tests to assess 10m and 30m sprint time, maximal velocity (vmax) and maximal acceleration (amax). We calculated Pearson’s r and 95% compatibility intervals to assess the relationship between sprint ability, maturity ratio, chronological age and architectural parameters. In addition, we calculated the best set of predictors for sprint ability using multiple regression models.Results. All muscle architectural parameters increased from the under 13 to the under 15 age group (BFlh ACSA: 37%, BFlh FL: 11%, BFlh PA: 8%). All sprint performance parameters improved from the under 13 to under 15 age categories (30m time: 7%, 10m time: 4%, vmax: 9%, amax: 7%). BFlh ACSA was correlated with 30m sprint time (r = -0.61 (95% CI = -0.73, -0.45)) and vmax (r= 0.61 (0.45, 0.72)). The correlation for maturity ratio with assessed parameters were larger compared to the correlation for chronological age. A combination of BFlh ACSA, FL, chronological age and height best predicted sprint parameters. Discussion. Parallel to improvements in sprint performance, muscle architectural parame-ters increase from the under 13 to under 15 age groups. BFlh ACSA seems to be related to sprint performance in youth soccer players. BFlh ACSA and chronological age are the main predictors of most sprint parameters.

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The Potential for a Targeted Strength-Training Program to Decrease Asymmetry and Increase Performance: A Proof of Concept in Sprinting

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2016-0590 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 1392-1395 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Scott R. Brown ◽

Erin R. Feldman ◽

Matt R. Cross ◽

Eric R. Helms ◽

Bruno Marrier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Strength Training ◽

Training Program ◽

Injury Risk ◽

Performance Metrics ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Control Block ◽

Single Male ◽

Hip Extension

The global application of horizontal force (FH) via hip extension is related to improvements in sprint performance (eg, maximal velocity [vmax] and power [Pmax]). Little is known regarding the contribution of individual leg FH and how a difference between the legs (asymmetry) might subsequently affect sprint performance. The authors assessed a single male athlete for pre-post outcomes of a targeted hip-extension training program on FH asymmetry and sprint-performance metrics. An instrumented nonmotorized treadmill was used to obtain individual leg and global sprint kinetics and determine the athlete’s strong and weak leg, with regard to the ability to produce FH while sprinting. Following a 6-wk control block of testing, a 6-wk targeted training program was added to the athlete’s strength-training regimen, which aimed to strengthen the weak leg and improve hip-extension function during sprinting. Preintervention to postintervention, the athlete increased FH (standardized effect [ES] = 2.2; +26%) in his weak leg, decreased the FH asymmetry (ES = −0.64; −19%), and increased vmax (ES = 0.67; +2%) and Pmax (ES = 3.2; +15%). This case study highlighted a promising link between a targeted training intervention to decrease asymmetry in FH and subsequent improvement of sprint-performance metrics. These findings also strengthen the theoretical relationship between the contribution of individual leg FH and global FH while sprinting, indicating that reducing asymmetry may decrease injury risk and increase practical performance measures. This case study may stimulate further research investigating targeted training interventions in the field of strength and conditioning and injury prevention.

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Phase analysis in maximal sprinting: an investigation of step-to-step technical changes between the initial acceleration, transition and maximal velocity phases

Sports Biomechanics ◽

10.1080/14763141.2018.1473479 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 141-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Hans C. von Lieres und Wilkau ◽

Gareth Irwin ◽

Neil E. Bezodis ◽

Scott Simpson ◽

Ian N. Bezodis

Keyword(s):

Phase Analysis ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Initial Acceleration

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Acceleration and Maximum Running Phases in 60-m Sprint and Vertical Jump Performance

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/proceedings2019025021 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 21

Author(s):

Ntoumas ◽

Nounos ◽

Ioannidis ◽

Voutselas

Keyword(s):

Pearson Correlation ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Body Height ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Jump Height ◽

Weak Correlation ◽

Maximal Power ◽

Acceleration Phase ◽

Jump Performance

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between acceleration and maximum running phase in 60-m sprint and vertical jump performance. Furthermore, to investigate the factors that affect the acceleration phase, maximum running phase, and overall 60-m sprint performance. MATERIAL & METHOD: Participants were 25 young amateur athletes, aged 18 ± 1 years, with body mass 64.64 ± 13.39 kg and body height 1.71 ± 0.11 m. We examined the correlation between the acceleration phase (0–30 m) and maximum running phase (30–60 m) and 60-m sprint performance, measured with photocells (Optojump), and vertical jump performance (take-off velocity, jump height, maximal velocity, maximal power), measured with a force plate (Bertec). Pearson correlation was used to examine the correlation between the forementioned parameters (SPSS, v. 21). RESULTS: There was a correlation between jump height and 60-m sprint performance (r = −0.713, p < 0.001), maximum running phase (r = −0.512, p = 0.15), and a weak correlation with acceleration phase (r = −0.495, p = 0.19). There was a correlation between take-off velocity and 60-m sprint performance (r = −0.732, p < 0.001), maximum running phase (r = −0.553, p = 0.08), and a weak correlation with acceleration phase (r = −0.472, p = 0.27). There was a weak correlation between maximal velocity, acceleration phase (r = 0.439, p = 0.41), and 60-m sprint performance (r = 0.438, p = 0.42). There was a correlation between maximal power and 60-m sprint performance (r = −0.739, p < 0.001), acceleration phase (p = −0.635, p = 0.02), and a weak correlation with maximum running phase (r = −0.437, p = 0.042). There was a correlation between 60-m sprint performance and maximum running phase (r = 0.792, p < 0.001) and acceleration phase (r = 0.596, p = 0.03). Finally, there was a correlation between body height and 60-m sprint performance (r = −0.738, p = 0.02) and maximum running phase (r = −0.666, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, 60-m sprint performance was highly correlated with body height, maximum running phase and all the vertical jump parameters (explosive power), except for maximal power, which had a high correlation with the acceleration phase (sprint acceleration).

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Changes in sprint performance and sagittal plane kinematics after heavy resisted sprint training in professional soccer players

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.10507 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. e10507

Author(s):

Johan Lahti ◽

Toni Huuhka ◽

Valentin Romero ◽

Ian Bezodis ◽

Jean-Benoit Morin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sagittal Plane ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Minimal Detectable Change ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Sprint Training ◽

Adaptation Potential ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Split Time

Background Sprint performance is an essential skill to target within soccer, which can be likely achieved with a variety of methods, including different on-field training options. One such method could be heavy resisted sprint training. However, the effects of such overload on sprint performance and the related kinetic changes are unknown in a professional setting. Another unknown factor is whether violating kinematic specificity via heavy resistance will lead to changes in unloaded sprinting kinematics. We investigated whether heavy resisted sled training (HS) affects sprint performance, kinetics, sagittal plane kinematics, and spatiotemporal parameters in professional male soccer players. Methods After familiarization, a nine-week training protocol and a two-week taper was completed with sprint performance and force-velocity (FV) profiles compared before and after. Out of the two recruited homogenous soccer teams (N = 32, age: 24.1 ± 5.1 years: height: 180 ± 10 cm; body-mass: 76.7 ± 7.7 kg, 30-m split-time: 4.63 ± 0.13 s), one was used as a control group continuing training as normal with no systematic acceleration training (CON, N = 13), while the intervention team was matched into two HS subgroups based on their sprint performance. Subgroup one trained with a resistance that induced a 60% velocity decrement from maximal velocity (N = 10, HS60%) and subgroup two used a 50% velocity decrement resistance (N = 9, HS50%) based on individual load-velocity profiles. Results Both heavy resistance subgroups improved significantly all 10–30-m split times (p < 0.05, d = − 1.25; −0.62). Post-hoc analysis showed that HS50% improved significantly more compared to CON in 0–10-m split-time (d = 1.03) and peak power (d = 1.16). Initial maximal theoretical horizontal force capacity (F0) and sprint FV-sprint profile properties showed a significant moderate relationship with F0 adaptation potential (p < 0.05). No significant differences in sprinting kinematics or spatiotemporal variables were observed that remained under the between-session minimal detectable change. Conclusion With appropriate coaching, heavy resisted sprint training could be one pragmatic option to assist improvements in sprint performance without adverse changes in sprinting kinematics in professional soccer players. Assessing each player’s initial individual sprint FV-profile may assist in predicting adaptation potential. More studies are needed that compare heavy resisted sprinting in randomized conditions.

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Mechanical Properties of Sprinting in Elite Rugby Union and Rugby League

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2014-0151 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 695-702 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Matt R. Cross ◽

Matt Brughelli ◽

Scott R. Brown ◽

Pierre Samozino ◽

Nicholas D. Gill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Peak Power ◽

Rugby League ◽

Rugby Union ◽

Sprint Performance ◽

Maximal Velocity ◽

Horizontal Force ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Individual ◽

Sectional Analysis

Purpose: To compare mechanical properties of overground sprint running in elite rugby union and rugby league athletes. Methods: Thirty elite rugby code (15 rugby union and 15 rugby league) athletes participated in this cross-sectional analysis. Radar was used to measure maximal overground sprint performance over 20 or 30 m (forwards and backs, respectively). In addition to time at 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 m, velocity-time signals were analyzed to derive external horizontal force–velocity relationships with a recently validated method. From this relationship, the maximal theoretical velocity, external relative and absolute horizontal force, horizontal power, and optimal horizontal force for peak power production were determined. Results: While differences in maximal velocity were unclear between codes, rugby union backs produced moderately faster split times, with the most substantial differences occurring at 2 and 5 m (ES 0.95 and 0.86, respectively). In addition, rugby union backs produced moderately larger relative horizontal force, optimal force, and peak power capabilities than rugby league backs (ES 0.73−0.77). Rugby union forwards had a higher absolute force (ES 0.77) despite having ~12% more body weight than rugby league forwards. Conclusions: In this elite sample, rugby union athletes typically displayed greater short-distance sprint performance, which may be linked to an ability to generate high levels of horizontal force and power. The acceleration characteristics presented in this study could be a result of the individual movement and positional demands of each code.

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